Monday, June 3, 2013

Rafa at Roland Garros: Quest For Crazy Eights - Round 3

(Rafa's been stretched this year, but so far not to his limits!)

Our Hero, Rafael Nadal came from behind once again this French Open beating the always entertaining Fabio Fognini 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-4 to reach the fourth
round. Whereas Nadal dropped the
opening set in his first two matches this year, Nadal similarly trailed 4-2 in the first and was then down a
break at 6-5 before finally pulling ahead and taking the set in a tie break. After that, Nadal looked pretty much in control, but Fognini refused to completely fold. Down 5-1 at one point in the third, it seemed like things would quickly be done, but he held serve, broke, and then held again, to push it to 5-4, before Rafa finally served it out.

Nadal next plays No. 13-seeded Kei Nishikori, the
first Japanese man in 75 years to reach the fourth round at Roland
Garros! Kei wasn't even aware of the history when reporters brought it up with him. I like Kei as a player, but hopefully Rafa won't have too much trouble with him. I feel like Rafa could use a quick and easy match today.

The 4th round has some really fun match-ups that could go either way. Dare I even pray for an upset in the match between Kohlschreiber and Djokovic? Kohls did beat Novak at the French Open once before, but that was back in 2009 - a LONG time ago in tennis seasons. I'm also looking forward to the US Women's matches: Stephens v. Sharapova, Mattek-Sands v. Kirilenko and Hampton v. Jankovic. Some really nice opportunities there for the US Women to advance if they bring their top games. VAMOS!